Northumberland’s Kielder Forest steps in to host British Rally Championship after Welsh stages cancelled

Kielder: Kielder Forest will host the British Rally Championship in April. This comes after the Severn Valley Stages were cancelled due to Storm Darragh.

Kielder Forest is the largest in England. It faced its own weather challenges, losing over 150 trees during Storm Éowyn. Forestry England is excited to host the event to keep the national motorsport alive.

Alex MacLennan from Forestry England mentioned they adapted the event stages. This way, they minimized disruption to the working forest and protected wildlife areas, like the Kielder ospreys. The size of Kielder Forest allowed for more flexibility than smaller locations.

The rally, organized by the Roger Albert Clark Rally Motor Club, will be called the Carlisle Stages. It will take place in Northumberland, but the name reflects its roots. The event has moved from its usual October date, offering a scenic podium in front of Kielder Castle.

Reece Tarren, the British Rally Championship manager, expressed gratitude to the club for stepping in after the Severn Valley Stages were cancelled.

Colin Heppenstall, the Clerk of the Course, said Kielder Forest is a great backdrop for the championships. They plan to provide 50 stage miles in a compact route, making the most of the event. Anyone can enter the rally, and a recce will be available.

The British Rally Championship Carlisle Stages is set for Saturday, April 12, in Kielder Forest.

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